Australia savoured their astonishing comeback victory over South Africa at Suncorp Stadium here on Saturday as a confidence-boosting triumph of character ahead of World Cup duels with England and Wales.

In their first home Test under new head coach, Michael Cheika, the Wallabies appeared to be down and out when they were trailing 20-7 early in the second half, with their scrum in a familiar state of disarray.

But what followed was a jolt to their rivals in the looming ‘Pool of Death’, as the home side rallied to snatch this Rugby Championship contest in a grandstand finish.

The Australia players kick-started their World Cup countdown with a stunning win over South Africa

Australian back Folau evades a tackle during the Suncorp Stadium affair in Brisbane

Michael Hooper (left) scored a late try that helped put winning in sight for Australia

Quade Cooper's conversion put the Wallabies within three points and two minutes later, they were ahead

Wallabies centre Matthew Giteau (left) runs with the ball for his team against South Africa

Michael Hooper’s try six minutes from time had dragged Australia to within three points of the Springboks and although Matt Giteau missed a penalty shot moments later, his team earned another penalty and captain Stephen Moore bravely opted to go for touch.

He was rewarded when centre Tevita Kuridrani twisted over to score a try eventually confirmed by the TMO.

‘To me, rugby is all about attitude and I was pleased with the way the team reacted, kept coming back and played until the 80th minute,’ said Cheika. ‘There is still stacks of room for improvement but we’re sixth in the world and South Africa are second, so we’re very proud to get the win.

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‘I like the character that is building within the team. I like the way they just stuck at it. Winning that game will give us a lot of self-belief. We’re not claiming any high ground, we’re just happy we stuck in there and got the win.’

There is much work for Cheika to do and his forwards will face a fierce ordeal next weekend when they face Argentina in Mendoza. But, with the World Cup fast approaching, it was a small step in the right direction.

This was not a display to induce English and Welsh trepidation but the result will certainly focus the minds of Stuart Lancaster and Warren Gatland about the potential threat from Down Under.

Bryan Habana of South Africa attempts to run with the ball in the game against Australia on Saturday

Adam Ashley-Cooper of the Wallabies is tackled during the Rugby Championship opener

Schalk Burger of the Springboks is tackled by Wallabies' Michael Hooper and Rob Simmons

Nick Phipps (right) of Australia prepares for a scrum in his team's encounter against South Africa

Adam Ashley-Cooper (left_ goes over the line to score a try for Australia against South Afrcia

Australia and South Africe met on Saturday in a Rugby Championship contest and trailed 20-7.

Players from both Autralia and South Africa compete for the ball in the game on Saturday

Australia international Isreal Folou tries to protect the ball from South Africa in the meeting on Saturday

The Aussie players get together to celebrate a moreale boosting victory with the World Cup nearing

Soon after the re-start, they seemed to have taken an iron grip on proceedings with an act of individual brilliance from their debutant centre. The ball reached Jesse Kriel on the left near halfway and the Bulls No 13 swerved in-field and scorched away from the cover defenders to touch down.

Another Pollard conversion put South Africa in an apparently impregnable position. But the Wallaby replacements made a colossal impact and even their beleaguered scrum began to revive, to a stunning extent. After the erratic Cooper had reduced the deficit with a 55th-minute penalty, the hosts kept banging on the door and eventually they smashed it down, in the astonishing finale.

WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT THE WALLABIES IN BRISBANE?

Australia, the big World Cup pool rivals for England and Wales, were euphoric on Saturday after starting the Rugby Championship with a last gasp win. So what would the scouts have learned?

THREE REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL...

Scrum problems: The Wallabies were in dire straits against the first choice Springbok pack.

Half-back doubts: Will Genia and Quade Cooper were unconvincing.

Turn-over trouble: Australia had a lot of trouble protecting their possession.

...AND THREE TO BE FEARFUL...

Precious momentum: They weren’t hugely convincing but still won.

Leadership depth: Boosted by arrival of ex-skippers David Pocock and James Horwill to support captain Stephen Moore.

Giteau comeback: The versatile, veteran Toulon back was a busy, effective and reassuring midfield presence.